The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced that, beginning January 4, households can apply for the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) and the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) online at https://epass.nc.gov.

Applying online at ePASS helps make it easy and convenient to apply for these programs in a safe and socially distance way. Applicants can also call the Currituck County Department of Social Services to apply by calling 252-232-3083, or print a paper application from the ePASS website to mail, fax, or drop off at the Currituck DSS office.

CIP applications will be accepted until June 30, 2021 or until funds are exhausted. To be eligible for the CIP program, a household must:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Meet the income test.
• Have an energy related crisis.
• Have a utility statement that shows how much is owed to alleviate the crisis.
• Must have a health related or life threatening emergency.

LIEAP applications will be accepted from Jan. 4, 2021 to March 31, 2021 or until funds are exhausted. To be eligible for the LIEAP program, a household must:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria.
• Have income equal to or less than 130% of the federal poverty limit.
• Have resources, such as saving and checking accounts and cash on hand, at or below $2,250.
• Be responsible for their heating cost.

For more information on the energy programs and eligibility, visit the CIP and LIEAP websites.

Nov. 12, 2020:

The Currituck County Department of Social Services announces that the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) will begin December 1, 2020 for those age 60 or older, or for those disabled and receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services.

There are some changes this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some households will receive automatic payments and will not need to apply for the LIEAP program. A payment will be automatically sent to their heating vendor.

The following requirements must be met for the automatic payment:

• Households with persons aged 60 or older, OR
• Households with disabled individuals receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services, AND
• Currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services, AND

• Received LIEAP during the 2019-2020 LIEAP season.

Those potentially eligible for the automated payment will receive a notice in mid-November informing them they are eligible for the automatic payment. If there are any changes since last season, such as change in heating vendor, address, etc., please make the necessary changes on the notice and immediately return to the Department of Social Services, or call Social Services at 252-232-3083 to report the changes.

If you are 60 or older OR disabled & receiving services from the Division of Aging and Adult Services and you do not meet these specifications, you may apply by telephone, mail, fax, or you can drop off applications to the Department of Social Services from December 1 – 31.

Applications for all other households will be taken beginning January 2, 2021 by telephone, mail, FAX, drop off, or on-line via ePASS at www.epass.nc.gov. You do not need to come to Social Services to apply.

Please call the Social Services office at 252-232-3083 if you have questions, would like to apply, or to have an application mailed to you.  Applications may also be picked up at the DSS office inside the front door, located at 2793 Caratoke Hwy, Currituck, NC, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding holidays. A drop box is located outside the front door of the DSS building and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.